Comforter Down : Understanding Down Comforter Construction

Down comforters are constructed by sewing down and feathers between a top and bottom cover, usually made of cotton. Silk or polyester covers are also used, though less frequently. Down comforters were originally called duvets.

There are two main types of down comforter constructions:

1 ) Baffle box

A baffle box comforter has thin strips of material sewn between the top and bottom cover in a checkered pattern. The baffles are usually between 6” and 15” in size with an equal amount of down in each.

A baffle box is an internal fabric wall that separates the top and bottom layers of fabric in a down comforter. While adding loft to the comforter, these internal walls also add strength; allowing the comforter to "give", reducing stress on the fabric and stitching when you toss and turn at night. These internal walls also maximize loft while holding the down in place.

Baffle box construction actually does the opposite; it makes the top of the comforter look flatter.

2) Box stitch (also called sewn through).

A box stitch comforter is also sewn in a checkered pattern, but rather than using small strips of material to separate the top and bottom cover, the top and bottom cover are sewn together forming boxes. Boxes serve the same purpose as baffles: they keep the down evenly spread out across the entire comforter.

A box stitch comforter gives a more sculpted and puffy look because each square is pulled together at its edges.

Box stitch construction allows cold to come through at the points where the top and bottom covers are sewn together, causing “cold spots.”

Box stitch is more common and more expensive to create.

Which is better ?

There is a common misunderstanding that baffle box is the better construction. Also, many retailers make inaccurate claims about their products that add to the confusion most customers have when tying to decide on a comforter down.

Box stitch is generally the best choice for lighter weight comforters used in the warmer climates and seasons. But box stitch is also best for heavier comforters (using more filling) when you want a sculpted or puffy look.

Baffle box is usually the best choice for heavier comforters used in colder climates and seasons. Baffles allow the down to expand fully in heavier comforters, maximizing the insulation value of the comforter.

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